As the clock ticks down to the final moments of the year, there’s no better way to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new than with a delicious and easy-to-make Chicken Parmesan dinner. This classic Italian dish, Chicken Parmesan, also known as Chicken Parmigiana, is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate your New Year’s Eve dinner. Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe that is sure to impress your guests and make the transition into the new year even more delightful.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Olive oil for frying
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your Chicken Parmesan cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
Prepare the Chicken:
Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Coating Process:
Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
Fry the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (approximately 3-4 minutes per side). Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
Assemble and Bake:
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each piece.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. If desired, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
Garnish and Serve:
Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
Pairing Suggestions:
Serve the Easy Chicken Parmesan over a bed of cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Nutritional Information
While Chicken Parmesan may be a comforting and indulgent dish, it’s always good to be mindful of its nutritional content. A serving of this Easy Chicken Parmesan provides a substantial amount of protein from the chicken, essential for muscle repair and growth. The dish is also a good source of calcium and phosphorus from the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, promoting bone health.
However, it’s important to note that frying the chicken adds some extra calories, so moderation is key. To make it a bit lighter, you can opt for baking the breaded chicken instead of frying. Additionally, consider pairing this delicious main course with a side of steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad to add more vitamins and fiber to your celebratory meal.
Celebrate the turning of the year with a delightful Easy Chicken Parmesan dinner that combines the crispy goodness of fried chicken with the richness of melted cheese and savory marinara sauce. This New Year’s Eve dinner recipe allows you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen, making it the perfect choice for your New Year’s Eve gathering. Cheers to a flavorful farewell to the old year and a tasty welcome to the new!
Easy Chicken Parmesan (Parmigiana)
Ingredients
- 4 pcs boneless & skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups bread crumbs
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese grated
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil for garnish
- olive oil for frying
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your Chicken Parmesan cooks evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
- Prepare the Chicken:Place each chicken breast between plastic wrap and gently pound them to an even thickness. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Coating Process:Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, dip it into the beaten eggs, and coat it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture.
- Fry the Chicken:In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Fry the coated chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides (approximately 3-4 minutes per side). Place the cooked chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
- Assemble and Bake:In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce. Place the fried chicken breasts on top of the sauce. Spoon more marinara sauce over each chicken breast. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese generously over each piece.
- Bake to Perfection:Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through. If desired, you can broil for an additional 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, crispy cheese topping.
- Garnish and Serve:Remove the Chicken Parmesan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh basil before serving.
- Pairing Suggestions:Serve the Easy Chicken Parmesan over a bed of cooked spaghetti or your favorite pasta. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
It’s easy to succumb to the temptation of unhealthy snacks during Holiday season. However, making smart snacking choices is essential for maintaining energy levels and supporting overall well-being. Check out this post to learn more! Smart Snacking: Healthy and Delicious Alternatives for Midday Munchies
